- Visibility 320 Views
- Downloads 457 Downloads
- Permissions
- DOI 10.18231/j.ijpca.2025.003
-
CrossMark
Pharmacological aspects of Isabgol: An overview
- Author Details:
-
Poonam Chavhan *
-
Vrushali More
-
Anuja Ekhande
-
Rahul Nikam
-
Namrata Wade
-
Anil Jadhav
Poonam Chavhan *
Vrushali More
Anuja Ekhande
Rahul Nikam
Namrata Wade
Anil Jadhav
Herbal medicine is widely used globally, including in India, where it plays a significant role in primary health care. It is alternatively known as Ispaghula Psyllium, Plantago ispaghula, and Plantago ovata. Psyllium offers numerous health benefits.2 Psyllium is a naturally occurring, hydrophilic gel-forming substance that has been historically utilized in China and India for an herbal remedy for various ailments. These include bladder issues, high blood pressure, skin irritations, constipation, diabetes mellitus, ulcerative colitis, haemorrhoids, cholesterol reduction, colorectal cancer, hyperlipidaemia, hyperuricemia, and anti-ulcer activity.1 Plantago is a valuable botanical remedy containing various compounds such as phenolic, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and vitamin C.42 Its phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, provide the plant with antioxidant properties, while these phenolic also offer protection against UV radiation.5 This review examines its bioactive components and their modes of action, shedding light on the therapeutic benefits of Isabgol in supporting gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular function, and metabolic balance. Research highlights its prebiotic capabilities and effectiveness in addressing conditions such as constipation, diarrhoea, and irritable bowel syndrome through gut micro biota modulation and improved stool quality. Additionally, Isabgol's blood sugar-lowering and cholesterol-reducing effects play a vital role in the management of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Its applications in weight regulation, skincare, and emerging cancer research further underscore its adaptability. This review highlights the importance of Isabgol in integrative medicine, offering a detailed evaluation of its pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and safety profile for medical use.1
Keywords: Plantago Ovata, Anti-carcinogenic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant, Drug delivery agent, Botanical remedy.
References
- Kumar D., Pandey J., Kumar P, Rah V. Psyllium Mucilage its use in Pharmaceutical Field: An overview current synthetic systemic, Curr Synth Sys Biol. 2017:5(1):1-7.
- Leng-Peschlow E. Plantago ovata seeds as dietary fiber supplement: physiological and metabolic effects in rats. Brit J Nutr. 1996;66(2):331-49.
- Sachin T., Anuj K., Sanjay S., Pravin Kumar M., Studies on the performance of Isabgol (Plantago Ovata Forsk) genotypes under Uttar Pradesh condition, 2016.8(2):1090-4.
- Malik Hassan M., Nauman A., M. Nabeel G. Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Psyllium Husk (Ispaghula) in constipation and diarrhea, Dig Dis Sci. 2011;56(5):1460-71.
- Gholamereza Arab-R., Alireza E., Uric acid lowering effect of psyllium seeds on a Hypouricemic Patient: A case report and review of Literature. Asia Pacific J Med Toxicol. 2020;9(1):21-4.
- Katke SD, Deshpande HW,Tapre AR. Review on Psyllium Husk (Plantago Ovata): A novel Superfood for human health, 2020;9(12):1949-59.
- Mohammad Al-Foudari, Jiwan S.S., Abdulsalam A, Effect of Psyllium Husk and Wheat mill bran fractions on the microstructure and mixograph characteristics of Arabic bread, October 2022.A. Khedher, S. Dhibi, S. Akermi. Antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Plantago Ovata ethanolic extract in Rats. Braz J Biol, 2022:84:e255120
- Aunjum Reyaz S., Paras S., Vinod Singh G. Antioxidant, Nutritional, Structural, Thermal and Physico-chemical properties of Psyllium seeds. 2020. Curr Res Nutr Food Sci J. 2020:8(3):727-43. 22 Chavhan et al / International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis 2025;12 (1):16–23
- Vipin S., A Bhattacharya, Isabgol Husk: An herbal remedy for human health, 2009. Available From: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/38111508_Isabgol_Husk_ A_Herbal_Remedy_for_Human_Health
- Mohamed A.H., Naura A. Abd-Allah, Essam A.M, Shimaa A.A. A Preliminary study on effect of Psyllium Husk Ethanolic Extract on Hyperlipidemia, and Oxidative stress Induced by Triton X-100 Injection in Rats. Biology (Basel).2021;10(4):335.
- Manish P., Avinash M., Bhavanath J., Non targeted Metabolite Profiling and Scavenging Activity Unveil the Nutraceutical Potential of Psyllium (Plantago Ovata Forsk), Front Plant Sci. 2016:7:431.
- Hosseini M., Salari M., Salari R., Psyllium seed may be effective in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with functional constipation, J Med Hypo Ideas, 2015;9(2):
- Gupta RR, Agrawal CG, Singh GP, Ghatak A, Lipid lowering efficacy of psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus with hyperlipidemia, Indian J Med Res. 1994;100:237-41.
- Fischer MH, Yu N, Gray GR, Ralph J , The gel-forming polysaccharide of psyllium husk (Plantago Ovata Forsk). Carbohydrate Res. 2004;339(11):2009-17.
- Anderson JW, Allgood LD, Turner J, Oeltgen PR, Effects of Psyllium on glucose and serum lipid responses in men with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;70(4):466-73.
- Anderson JW, Allgood LD, and Lawrence A. Cholesterol lowering effects of Psyllium intake adjunctive to diet therapy in men and women with hypercholesterolemia: meta-analysis of 8 controlled trials. Am Clin Nutr. 2000;71(2):472-9.
- Singh B, Psyllium as therapeutic and drug delivery agent. Int J Pharm. 2007;334(1-2):1-4.
- Singh B, Sharma N, Chauhan N, Synthesis, characterization and swelling studies of pH responsive psyllium and methacrylamide based hydrogels for the use in colon specific drug delivery, Carbohydrate Polym. 2007;69(4):631-43.
- Anderson JW, Davidson MH, Blonde L, Brown WV, Howard WJ. Long term cholesterol lowering effects of psyllium as an adjunct to diet therapy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71(6):1433-8.
- Hendry A, Daulay H.S. Relative performance of Isabgol variety Madras Agric J. 1992;79:10:585-7.
- Pendse G S, Kanitkar U K, Surange S R, Experimental cultivation of Ispaghula in Maharashtra, J Univ Poona Sci Tech. 2016;9(10):1239-
- Deters AM, Schroder KR, Smiatek T, Hensel A, Isapghula (Plantago ovata) seed husk polysaccharides promote proliferation of human epithelial cells (skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts) via enhanced growth factor receptors and energy production. Planta Med. 2005;71(1):33-9.
- Washington N, Harris M, Mussellwhite A, Spiller RC, Moderation of lactulose-induced diarrhea by psyllium: effects on motility and fermentation, Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;67(2):317-21.
- Qvitzau S, Matzen P, Madsen P, Treatment of chronic diarrhea: loperamide versus isapghula husk and calcium. Scand J Gastro- enterol.1988;23(10):1237-40.
- Smalley JR, Klish WJ, Campbell MA, Brown MR. Use of psyllium in the management of chronic nonspecific diarrhea of childhood. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1982;1(3):361-3.
- Gilani AH, Nauman A, Khan A, Khan S, Zaman V, Laxative effects of Isapghula: physical or chemical effects?. Phytother Res. 1998;12(3):63-5.
- Johanson JF. Review of the treatment options for chronic constipation. Med Gen Med. 2007:9(2):25.
- McRorie JW, Daggy BP, Morel JG, Diersing PS, Miner PB, Robinson M. Psyllium is superior to docusate sodium for treatment of chronic constipation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1998;12(5):491-7.
- Rodriguez-Cabezas ME, Galvez J, Camuesco D. Intestinal anti- inflamatory activity of dietary fiber (Plantago ovata seeds) in HLA- B27 transgenic rats. Clin Nutr. 2003;22(5):463-71
- Ruiz-Ruiz JC, Matus-Basto AJ, Acereto-Escoffie P, Segura-Campos MR. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of phenolic compounds isolated from Melipona Beecheii honey. Food Agr Immunol. 2017:28(1):1424-37
- Enadollahi-Natanzi A, Arab-Rahmatipour G, Psyllium together with allopurinol can efficiently reduce the increased serum level of uric acid, creatinine and urea: A case report. Iran J Toxicol. 2017:11(4):51-
- Potapovich Al, Kostyuk VA. Comparitive study of antioxidant properties and cytoprotective activity of flavonoids. Biochem (Mosc). 2003;68(5):514-9.
- Al-Assaf S., Philips G.O., Williams P.A., Takigami S. Molecular weight, tertiary structure, water binding and colon behavior of isapghula husk fiber. Proceed Nutr Soc. 2003;62(1):211-21.
- Anderson JW, Jones AE, Riddell-Mason S. Ten different dietary fibers have significantly different effects on serum and liver lipids of cholesterol-fed rats. J Nutr. 1994;124(1):78-83.
- Askari H., Farahnaki A., Majzoobi M., and Mesbahi G.H. Hydrocolloid extraction from Psyllium husk and investigation on its rheological properties. 18 th , National Iranian food science and technology conference.
- Bijkerk CJ, Muris JW, Knottenerus JA, Hoes AW, de Wit NJ. Systematic review: The roll of different types of fibre in the treatment of irritated bowel syndrome. Aliment. Pharmacom. Ther. 2004;19(3):245-51.
- Burton R, Manninen V, Influence of a psyllium-based fibre preparation on fecal and serum parameters. Acta Med. Scand. 1982;668:91-94.
- Clausen MR, Bonnen H, Mortensen PB, Colonic fermentation of dietary fiber to short chain fatty acids in patients with adenomotous polyps and colonic cancer. Gut. 1991;32(8)928.
- Farahnaki A, Askari H, Majzoobi M, and Mesbahi G H. The impact of concentration, temperature and pH on dynamic rheology of psyllium gels. J Food Eng, 2010;100(2);1-8.
- Fisher H.M., Nanxiong Y., Ralph R.G.J. The gel forming polysaccharide of psyllium husk (Plantago ovata Forsk). Carbohyd Res. 2004;339(11):2009-17.
- Ganji V. and Kuo J. Serum lipid responses to psyllium fiber: differences between pre - and post-menopausal, hypercholesterolemic, Nutr J. 2008:26:7:22.
- Kumar A, Kumar N, Vij JC, Sarin SK, Anand BS, Optimal dosage of isapghula husk in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: correlation of symptom relief with whole gut transit time and stool weight. Gut., 1987;28(2):150-5.
- Majmudar H., Mourya V., Devdhe S., and Chandak R. Pharmaceutical Applications of Isapghula Husk: Mucilage, Int J Pharma Sci Rev Res. 2002;18(1):49-55.
- Romero-Baranzini A.L., Rodriguez O.G., Yanez-Farias G.A., Barron- Hoyos J.M., and Rayas-Duarte P. Chemical, Physicochemical and Nutritional, Evaluation of Plantago (Plantago ovata Forsk), Cereal Chem J. 2007;83(4):358-62.
- Jane M., Pal S., Mokay J. Effects of daily consumption of psyllium, oat bran and and polyGlycopleX on obesity related disease risk factors: A critical review, Nutrition. 2019;57;84-91.
- Masrul M., Nindrea R.D. Dietary Fiber Protective against Colorectal Cancer Patients in Asia: A Meta-Analysis Open Access Macedonian. J. Med. Sci.2019;7(10):1723-7.
- Nazario-Franco E.A., Sanches Silva A., Ribeiro-Santos R. Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forsk): From evidence of health benefits to its food application. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2020;96(1):166-75.
- Wahid A., Mahmaud M.S.N., Soliman S.A. Dietary fiber of psyllium husk (Plantago ovata) as a potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent against carbon tetra chloride induced hepatic damage in rats. S Afr J Bot. 2020;130:208-14.
- Chu, Y.H., Chang, C.L. and HSU, H.F. Flavonoid content of several vegetables and their antioxidant activity. J Sci Food Agricul. 2000;80(5):561-6.
- Hosseini M., Salari M., and Salari R. Psyllium seed may be effective in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with functional constipation. J Med Hypoth Ideas, 2015;9(2):24-7. 23 Chavhan et al / International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis 2025;12 (1):16–23 23
- Grant Thornton, Rajasthan Agricultural Competitiveness Project, 27 March 2012. Available From; https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/539731636402340823 /pdf/India-Rajasthan-Agricultural-Competitiveness-Project.pdf
- Marlett J.A., KAJS T.M. and FISCHER M.H. An unfermented gel component of psyllium seed husk promotes laxation as a lubricant in humans. Am J Clini Nutr. 2003;72;3:784-9.
- Nordgaard I., Hove H., Clausen M.R. and Mortensen P.B. Colonic production of butyrate in patients with previous colonic cancer during long-term treatment with dietary fiber (Plantago ovata seeds), 1996; Scand J Gastroenterol. 1996;31(10):1011-1020.
- Sahagun A.M., Vaquera J., Garcia J.J., DIez M.J. Study of the protective effect on intestinal mucosa of the hydro soluble fiber Plantago ovata husk. BMC Comp and Altern Med. 2015;15(1):298.
- Stagos D., Portsis N., Spanou C.. Correlation of total polyphenolic content with antioxidant and antibacterial activity of 24 extracts from Greek domestic Lamiaceae species. Food Chem Toxicol. 2012;50(11);4115-24.
- Tlili N., Elfalleh W., Hannachi H., Yahia Y. Antiulcer and invitro antioxidant activities of Jasminum grandiflorum L, J Ethnopharmacol. 2007;110(3):464-70.
- Voderholzer w.a., schatke w., birkner B. Clinical response to dietary fiber treatment of chronic constipation, Am J Gastroenterol. 1997;92(1):95-8.
- Beara I.N., Lesjak M.M., Jovin E.D. Plantain (Plantago L.) species as novel sources of flavonoid antioxidants, J Agri Food Chem. 2009;57(19):9268-73.
- Goncalves S. and Romano A. The medicinal potential of plants from the genus Plantago (Plantaginaceae), Ind Crops Prod. 2016; 83:213-
- Kawashty S.A., Abdalla M.F. and Saleh N.A.M. Flavonoids of Plantago species in Egypt, Biochem Syst Ecol. 1994; 22(7):729-33.
- Jat R.S., Reddy R.N., and Manivel P. Good Agricultural Practices for Isabgol. Anand: ICAR – Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, 2015. Available From: https://ia601205.us.archive.org/26/items/IsabgolUses/Isabgol%20Us es.pdf
- Samuelsen A.B. The traditional uses, chemical constituents and biological activities of Plantago major L. A review, J Ethnopharmacol. 2000;71(1):1-21.
- Xing L.C., Santhi D., Shar A.G., Saeed M. Psyllium husk (Plantago ovata) as a potent hypocholesterolemic agent in animal, human and poultry. Int J Pharmacol. 2017; 13(7): 690.
- Nofal Z.A.-E., El-Maghraby A.F., Gad M.R., Farghaly A.A., Ahmed E.M. Evaluation of the protective effect of ethanolic extract of Plantago major plant against carbon tetrachloride induced genotoxicity and biochemical disturbance in Rat. Egypt J Vet Sci. 2016;47(1):83-110.
- Terpstra A., Lapre J., De Vries H., Beynen A. Hypocholesterolemic effect of dietary psyllium in female rats. Ann Nutr Metab. 2000;44(5):223-8.
- Galisteo M., Sanchez M., Vera R.O., Gonzalez M., Anguera A., Duarte J., Zarzuelo A. A diet supplemented with husks of Plantago ovata reduces the development of endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and obesity by affecting adiponectin and TNF-alpha in obese Zucker rats. J Nutr. 2005;’135(10):399-400.
- Ali A.J. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of dietary supplementation of plantago psyllium seeds on diabetic and hyperlipidemic albino rats., J Sci Res Sci., 2017;34(1):373-98.
- Ziai S.A., Larijani B., Akhoondzadeh S., Fakhrizadeh H., Psyllium decreases the serum glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin significantly in diabetic outpatients, J. Ethnopharmacol, 2003;102(2):202-7.
- Kennedy JF, Sindhu JS, Southgate DAT. Structural data for the carbohydrate of isapghula husk ex Plantago ovata forsk, Carbohydrate Res. 1979;75:265-74.
- Laidlaw RA, Percival EGV. Studies on seed mucilages, Part 3 rd . Examination of polysaccharide extracted from the seeds of Plantago ovata Forsk. J Chem Soc.1949;1600-7.
- Laidlaw RA, Percival EGV. Studies on seed mucilages, Part 3 rd . Examination of polysaccharide extracted from the seeds of Plantago ovata Forsk. by hot water, J. Chem Soc.1950;528-37.
- Fisher MH, Yu N, Gray GR, Ralph J, Anderson L, Marlett JA. The gel forming polysaccharide of psyllium husk (plantago ovata forsk), Carbohydrate Res. 2004; 339:2009-17.
- Sandhu JS, Hudson GJ, Kennedy JF. The gel nature and structure of the carbohydrate of isapghula husk ex Plantago ovata forsk, Carbohydrate Res. 1981;93(2):247-59.
- Haque A, Richardson RK, Morris ER, Dea ICM. Xanthan like ‘weak gel’ rheology from dispersions of ispaghula seed husk. Carbohydrate Poly. 1993;22:223-32.
- Marteau P, Fluoride B, Cherbut C. Digestibility and bulking effect of ispaghula husks in healthy humans, Gut. 1974;35(12):1747-52.
- Fernandez-Banares F, Hinojosa J, Sanchez-Lombrana JL. Randomized clinical trial of Plantago ovata seeds (dietary fiber) as compared with mesalamine in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 94(2):427-33.
- Marlett JA, Kajs TM, Fischer MH. An unfermented gel component of psyllium seed husk promotes laxation as a lubricant in humans, Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72(3):784-9.
- Cartier A, Malo JL, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma in nurses handling psyllium, Clin Aller. 1987;17(1)1-6.
- Madgulkar A.R., Rao M.R., Warrier D. Characterization psyllium (plantago ovata) polysaccharide and its uses. Polysac. 2015;871-90.
- Ahmadi R., Kalbasi Ashtari A., Gharibzahedis M.T. Physical properties of psyllium seed Inter Agrophy. 2012;26(1):91-3
- Romero Baranzini L., Rodriguez O.G., Yaniz-Farias G.A., Barron- hoyos J.M., Rayas D., P. chemical, physicochemical and nutritional evaluation of plantago ovata forsk, Cereal Chem. 2006;83(4):358-62.
- Toth A., Halasz k. Characterization of edible bio composite films directly prepared from psyllium seed husk and husk flour, Food Pack shelflife. 2019;20:100299.
- Verma A, Mogra R. Psyllium (Plantago Ovata) Husk: A wonder food for good health. Inter. J Sci Res. 2013;4(9):1581-5.
- Haddadian K., Zahmat kash M. A review of Plantago ovata plant. Ind J Trad Med. 2014; (13):681-5.
- Tewari D., Anjum N., Tripathi Y.C. Phytochemistry and pharmacology of plantago ovata: A natural source of laxative medicine. World J Pharm Res. 2014;3(9):361-72.
- Waikar S S, Raut M, Dugaje T, Pathan V T, Bendale A R, Jadhav A G, Extensive assessment of fundamental factors in the development and validation of bioanalytical methods: Highlighting accuracy and reliability. Int J Pharm Chem. Anal. 2024;11(4):274-80.